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Crossroads, Maldives’ first integrated tourist destination, celebrates official opening
Crossroads Maldives, the largest integrated leisure and lifestyle destination in Maldives by Thailand’s leading real estate developer, Singha Estate Public Company Limited, has finally opened its doors on its two of the nine islands.
After two years in development, Crossroads was inaugurated at a ceremony on Thursday. Vice President Faisal Naseem, tourism minister Ali Waheed, science and technology minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, and fisheries minister Zaha Waheed attended the ceremony.
Vice President Naseem congratulated Singha Estate on the visionary project and said Crossroads provices resources to better understand the Maldives: the Maldives Cultural Centre is a place to catch a glimpse of Maldives’ rich history and heritage, and promote local arts and crafts, whilst the Marine Discovery Centre will help visitors understand the environmental situation.
“Initiatives such as these will help underscore the paramount importance of ensuring that these assets are preserved well into the future,” he said.
Expressing confidence that the project will help boost the economy, the vice president identified that it will provide several employment opportunities to the youth who are eager to unlock their potential by pursuing careers in the hospitality industry. He also expressed his hope that women would take up the employment opportunities at Crossroads.
“It is the aim of this government to ensure that women are able to participate in all our key industries on an equal footing with men,” he said.
The ceremony also celebrated the rich history and the prestigious nature of the island nation through various captivating performances including one by popular local singer Mariyam Maeesha, screening of History Channel’s short documentary, “The Making of Crossroads Maldives”, a light and sound show, and an aerial silk show.
Crossroads, a deeply sustainable development owned by Thailand’s leading developer Singha Estate, encompasses nine idyllic islands fringing the Emboodhoo Lagoon in the South Male Atoll. Two of the islands have been used for the first phase of the project.
The first island is home to the vibrant lifestyle district and heart of the mega project, The Marina @ Crossroads — an 11,000sqm retail and entertainment space.
Due to its proximity to the capital city, the attraction serves to inspire the meeting of cultures between locals and visitors, very much the same way the country had done in the past, catering to a variety of lifestyle inclinations including luxury shopping, fine dining, a state-of-the-art event hall, and PADI-certified water sports and dive centre.
A transit hotel, SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection by Hilton, targets short-term visitors who can utilise the facilities at the town centre during their stopover for connecting flights.
The sustainable development aspect of the project can be seen through the efforts made at Maldives Discovery Centre, an interactive educational-centre-cum-museum that promotes environmental conservation and Maldivian local arts and crafts. Another is Marine Discovery Centre, one of the region’s most advanced marine life laboratories, that hosts biologists who carry out research and longitudinal studies on sea-life and coral propagation through a Junior Coral Curator programme and a clownfish release initiative that span within the area of 64,000 square meters.
The second island is Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, developed and managed by Singha Estate’s hospitality arm, S Hotels & Resorts. The hotel introduces memorable music-inspired stays featuring a full range of signature experiences and facilities for all ages. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is also the brand’s first Maldivian outpost.
Crafted under the tagline “Crossroads: Where Cultures Meet”, world-renowned architects, Bensley Design, honours the Maldives’ historical greatness as a crossroads of ancient maritime trade routes between the East and the West. The creation of Marina @ Crossroads is a glorious marriage of old-world French designs, traditional Arabic themes, as well as design concepts from Portugal, China, and Britain.
“With Cross, we are making history. The project has been an exciting and challenging venture to plan and implement for all parties involved: Thai, Maldivian, and international. And today officially marks our first outstanding achievement. By being the largest integrated leisure and entertainment destination in the Maldives, Crossroads will help maintain the notable and continuously rising tourism markets such as China, India, and the Middle East, and attract new market segments of family and locals to the Maldives,” Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, Chairman of Singha Estate, said.
“Crossroads is going to redefine vacation experience in the Maldives and the entire Indian Ocean region whilst also being deeply sustainable and considerate of its environment, history, and culture.”
Naris Cheyklin, Chief Executive Officer of Singha Estate, said that whilst setting sight on promoting tourism and the local economy, Crossroads is also committed to its mission of “building big, protecting the small” — fashioning a mega project whilst promoting the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
During the construction, there was no concrete mixing and no plastering. Singha Estate commissioned all of the projects’ mega structures to be made in Thailand before being shipped to the Maldives in giant container vessels to avoid harming coral reefs and sea-life.
Crossroads also will be home to the Eight New Wonders of the Maldives, consisting of a coral village, iconic tuna sculptures, sunset point, and Emboodhoo canyon, amongst others.
.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.
Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.
Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.
The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.
The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.
Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
Ifuru Island Maldives will celebrate the 2026 festive season with “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars”, an immersive Christmas and New Year programme running from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldivian ocean, the night sky and the festive season, the theme will bring together marine and celestial elements across the resort’s décor, entertainment, dining, activities and guest experiences.
At the centre of the concept is the idea that the ocean carries memories, while the stars represent dreams and new beginnings. Rather than presenting the festive season as a series of standalone events, Ifuru Island plans to create a connected journey spanning Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
The visual identity of “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will combine an underwater-inspired world with celestial elements. Bioluminescent-inspired colours, reef motifs and glowing details will be paired with stars, constellations and moonlit features throughout the resort.
The colour palette will include deep ocean blue and midnight navy alongside pearl white, silver, soft turquoise, pink and purple, with accents of celestial gold. Coral forms, waves, shells and reef-inspired features will be combined with stars and festive details, giving traditional Christmas elements an interpretation inspired by Ifuru Island’s natural surroundings.
The concept will extend beyond decorations to dining, entertainment, activities, uniforms, signage and festive communications.
The resort said the theme is also intended to reflect the emotions associated with the festive period. The ocean represents peace, connection and possibility, while the stars symbolise hope, dreams, guidance and new beginnings.
The festive journey will begin on 21 December and continue through 10 January, encompassing Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Eve on 24 December will feature festive dining and entertainment, while Christmas Day on 25 December will centre on family celebrations and relaxed island experiences.
On 31 December, Ifuru Island will mark New Year’s Eve with the main celebration of the festive period, before welcoming 2027 on New Year’s Day with activities centred around the island setting and surrounding ocean.
Celebrations will continue from 1 to 10 January during the Orthodox festive period, including Orthodox Christmas.
According to the resort, the broader concept is intended to connect the entire guest experience, with the island’s natural environment forming part of the festive setting. The ocean will provide inspiration during the day, while the night sky will shape the atmosphere after sunset.
Dining experiences, entertainment and activities will each form part of the wider “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” narrative, giving guests different experiences throughout their stay while maintaining a consistent creative theme.
The programme is designed for guests travelling with family, friends or loved ones, with Ifuru Island aiming to combine its natural surroundings with festive celebrations and shared experiences.
The full festive programme, including entertainment, activities, culinary experiences and special events, will be announced separately.
“Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will run at Ifuru Island Maldives from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Christmas Eve will be marked on 24 December, Christmas Day on 25 December, New Year’s Eve on 31 December, New Year’s Day on 1 January and the Orthodox festive period from 1 to 10 January 2027.
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